Translation guide
This English phrase describes a situation where something that was hidden, unknown, or unclear becomes obvious or known. Japanese expresses this with verbs and phrases that focus on the process of coming to light, being understood, or emerging naturally.
When a fact, truth, or situation that was previously unclear becomes obvious or understood.
The most direct and common way to say 'become apparent' or 'become clear'. Used for facts, truths, or situations that come to light.
調査の結果、真実が明らかになった。
As a result of the investigation, the truth became apparent.
His lie quickly became apparent.
Often used in news or formal contexts when facts are established or come to light after investigation. Implies a process of discovery.
事故の原因が判明した。
The cause of the accident became apparent.
彼が犯人であることが判明した。
It became apparent that he was the culprit.
A more casual, gradual sense of 'becoming apparent' as you start to understand something over time.
話を聞いているうちに、問題点が分かってきた。
As I listened, the issues became apparent.
Used when something negative or hidden (like a scandal or weakness) is exposed or comes to light. Formal and often written.
組織の欠陥が露呈した。
The organization's flaws became apparent.
When something physically appears or becomes visible, often gradually.
General verb for something appearing or emerging. Can be used for physical objects, people, or abstract things like trends.
霧が晴れて山が現れた。
The fog cleared and the mountain became apparent.
新しい問題が現れた。
A new problem became apparent.
When information that was secret or unknown becomes widely known.
Emphasizes that something becomes known to many people, often used for secrets or rumors.
彼の不正が世間に知れ渡った。
His misconduct became apparent to the public.
Used when a hidden wrongdoing or secret is discovered. Common in crime or scandal contexts.
不正会計が発覚した。
The accounting fraud became apparent.
Both mean 'become apparent', but 判明する is more formal and often used in news reports or official statements when facts are confirmed. 明らかになる is more general and can be used in everyday speech.
The English phrase 'become apparent' is often used in formal or written contexts. In casual Japanese, it's more natural to use simpler expressions like 分かってきた or 見えてきた depending on the nuance.
Literally 'to rise to the surface', used when something becomes apparent out of a background or hidden state, often with a nuance of emerging clearly.
調査から新たな事実が浮かび上がった。
New facts became apparent from the investigation.